The Ease the Journey campaign began in early March with a special benefit concert that was held on campus at Thunderbird Adventist Academy.  The 21-Day Journey takes the focus back to the local school and helps to remind the local supporters that if every SDA member supported Christian education through the Arizona tax credit program every child that wants to attend an SDA school would be given an opportunity.    

Tamaleaa commented the other day, “When you look at this journey as one big single trip it looks overwhelming, but if we break it down into smaller pieces than it’s do-able.  That is how we need to focus on making Christian education a reality for all of our young people. We break it up into workable pieces with everyone helping.”  The goal of Tamaleaa and the Ease the Journey program is to raise the awareness of how every Arizona resident can make a difference in the life of a young person by giving through the tax credit program. 

Tamaleaa set off today with two TAA students, Rafael Barboza, Jr. and Kelly Brueske, and two adults, Philip Cookenmaster, a parent of two boys who attend TCE and Leslee Wilson, a Pathfinder leader and an active supporter of youth ministries. 

At the end of day 1, the bikers made it to Gila Bend (98 miles down the road) after stopping at Maricopa Village Elementary and met with teacher Jessica Frame and her students.  The group rides on towards Yuma on Tuesday. 

We will keep you updated of Ease the Journey news over the next few weeks. 

 TAA 2009-2010 Calendar

Congratulations – We Have a Winner!

Mr. Warren, Principal at TAA, is proud to announce that Anthony W. is a National Merit Finalist for the 2009 PSAT course.  His score on this test placed him in the top 10% of all high school juniors across the country.    Congratulations, Anthony and family!

Upcoming TAA Events

This Saturday night, May 8, is the annual TAA Wings Acro performance.  The program will begin at 8 PM in the TAA gym.  The Acro group performed during the Visitation Weekend program in February and then again on the tour a few weeks ago in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.  This will be an event that you will not want to miss!

 Class Parties are back on the calendar this year!  Friday, May 14 is Class Party Day where juniors and seniors will be leaving campus at 9 AM and going water skiing for the day.  Sophomores and freshmen will have their morning classes and then will have a party on campus beginning at noon.  The student body will then reunite on campus that evening for the annual Flower Vespers at 7:30 PM  at the Church.

Saturday, May 15 is the Consecration Service for the newly built TAA Church.  Sabbath School is at 9:30 and church service will begin at 11 AM.  Parents and friends of TAA are invited to attend!

Next Saturday night, May 15, is the final musical performance of the TAA choir, band, hand bells, and octet groups.  Every performance this year the groups have sounded better and better and if you missed the Ease the Journey Benefit concert in early March, you missed out.  Don’t miss out on the final performance of the school year. 

Monday, May 17 at 7 PM is when the TAA Academic and Athletic Awards program has landed.  Both programs will be in the TAA Chapel.  Parents and students mark your calendar for this event.

College Counseling Corner

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

May 28 is the deadline for a non-academic  $1000 B. Davis Scholarship   offered at http://www.studentawardsearch.com/scholarships/htm.  High school juniors and seniors along with college students are eligible to apply for  this scholarship. 

Application Procedure:  Write an essay of less than 1000 words on the following topic:

Describe three characteristics of leadership you value most.  Discuss whether you believe you possess some or all of these qualities, and describe an experience where you developed and/or demonstrated some or all of these traits. 

PSAT TEST – October 2011

Besides being known as the “preliminary SAT”, the PSAT is the  nationwide exam that is given to high school juniors to determine their eligibility for the National Merit Scholarship program that will allow the scholarship winner to have college doors opened across the country.  If a student does well enough on the PSAT, partial and complete scholarships from both public and private colleges will be available to the student.   

It is not too early for freshmen and sophomores to begin studying and practicing for the PSAT test that will be given on October 13, 2011 at TAA.  TAA offers the test to both sophomores and juniors. 

The PSAT includes the same type of  critical thinking questions that are offered on the SAT Reasoning Test in the areas of reading, math, and writing skills.  The test format is multiple choice. 

Check out the link: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/psat/prep.html to get more information about the PSAT, how to study for it, links to practice questions and tests. 

ACT TEST DATES FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

Thunderbird Adventist Academy is an approved Sunday test site for our students and other Sunday test takers in Arizona.  TAA is committed to helping to make sure that all of our students are ready for college. 

This year’s juniors and even sophomores need to plan on when they will take the ACT or SAT next school year.  Colleges and universities use these tests  as college entrance exams.  Besides having a direct effect on acceptance into college, many universities also will grant scholarships based on ACT and SAT Test Scores.   Prospective college students need to know the college admission deadlines and make sure that the ACT or SAT test is taken before the deadlines for college admission. 

SAT test dates have not been released yet, but listed below are the 2010-2011 ACT test dates that will occur on the campus of TAA.   

The testing application and study materials will be found in the TAA Library later this summer or contact the College Prep counselors, Mrs. Warren and Mrs. Leavens for more information. 

Cafeteria Lunch Menus

Week of May 3-7

Monday, May 3:  Spaghetti & meat sauces, Caesar salad, broccoli, bread stick, mandarin oranges, and salad bar.

Tuesday, May 4:  Super nachos, salad bar

Wednesday, May 5:  Taco, Spanish rice, refried beans, white cake, and salad bar

Thursday, May 6: Pepper steak, buttered noodles, steamed vegetables, rolls and butter, salad bar and fruit

Friday, May 7:  Calzone, veggies, salad bar, and cherry cobbler

Week of May 10-14

Monday, May 10:  Chick noodle casserole, oven roasted potatoes, asparagus cut and tips, dinner rolls & butter, salad bar, and chocolate pudding.

Tuesday, May 11:  Chili cheese dog, baked beans, seasoned vegetables, salad bar, and cookies

Wednesday, May 12:  Sweet and sour steaklets, steamed brown rice, vegetable, dinner rolls and butter, salad bar

Thursday, May 13:  Cold sub sandwiches, potato salad, chips, salad bar, and chocolate chip cookies

Friday, May 14:  Vegetable lasagna, Caesar salad, garlic bread, fresh fruit, and salad bar

Since our last newsletter lots of activities have occurred at TAA.   The 89th annual alumni reunion weekend was held the first weekend in April.  Our students and staff  were so helpful in creating a warm and welcoming environment and also helping to thoroughly clean campus for our alumni.  During the alumni weekend programming, the TAA choir, band, octet and mission trip group gave performances/presentations. 

On Sunday, April 4, the Student Association held their annual Spring Banquet at the Spaghetti Factory in downtown Phoenix and then the group went ice-skating.  This was a fun time with some students being given the first opportunity to ice skate.

On Tuesday through Thursday of last week (April 6-8) I had the opportunity to visit Union College, in Lincoln, Nebraska, with 13 students and Mrs. Victoria Leavens for a College Preview experience.  Union College students and staff were very welcoming and accommodating to our group and impressed many of our group with their friendliness are are planning on pursuing their college education at Union.

Then this week a group of 80 students and staff loaded a  charter bus and the two TAA minibuses and took off on the combined ACRO-Music Tour to Las Vegas and Salt Lake City.  The groups will perform at two SDA elementary schools in Las Vegas and one elementary school in Salt Lake City and help put on two church programs in Salt Lake City too.  This trip is a highlight for both groups where they are able to share with others their talents.  We will see this group returning to campus this Sunday night. 

Because of so many students being gone on tour, Mr. Edwin Johnson came up with a creative idea of combining the remaining students into  special groups and having selected topic activities based on the core curriculum.  So since Wednesday the remaining students have met with their teachers in a special schedule with all students participating in selected learning activities together.

As we look at the remaining six weeks of school, the activity level continues at a high level on campus with many programs and events happening.  Make sure and mark your calendars for the May performances when ACRO has their annual Home Show on Saturday night, May 8 at 8 PM in the gym; and the Music Department will have their final performance on Saturday night, May 15 at 8 PM.

May 15 is a special day on the campus when the new Scottsdale Thunderbird SDA Church will be dedicated and have its grand opening.  The public is welcome to come see the new church and I believe the choir and band will be performing that morning too.

 -- Sherrie Warren 

A Preview of TAA Activities

April 14 – 29, 2010

2010-2011 Student Applications: Clarification

In the tuition statements that were sent out the beginning of April, each student in grades 9-11 received a Re-Application form.  The Student Profile was mistakenly not included in the envelope.  Please complete the student information section of the Re-Application form along with any parent information that has changed since the beginning of this school year and return these to the TAA Office as soon as possible.

All students (New and Returning) need to apply and be accepted for the 2010-2011 year prior to pre-registering for classes.

College Counseling Corner

What should my student be doing this summer in preparation for college?

Seniors

If your student is a senior, they should have already applied and been given a preliminary acceptance to the colleges they want to attend.  The student should be making a decision over the next month or so on the college they want to attend.  Soon after graduation, the final transcript request needs to be made at the TAA Registrar’s Office so that the final and official transcript can be sent to the college the student plans on attending.

Parents and students should have completed the FAFSA and had the FAFSA results sent to the college the student plans on attending.

Student housing deposits will be required and pre-registration can be done during the summer at most colleges.

Juniors

As juniors end this school year, plans are being made for making the student’s senior year memorable.  Juniors should have already taken the SAT or ACT during this year, and if the student would like to take it again, time should be dedicated this summer for studying and being better prepared.  The Princeton Review ACT and SAT preparation courses are being offered this summer and next fall on the TAA campus – with some scholarships available.

Students should spend some time this summer either job shadowing adults in different possible careers they may be interested in pursuing and also finding opportunities to be involved in community service activities.  TAA requires 25 documented hours a year of community service activity and summer is a great time to get this done and colleges are placing more emphasis each year on accepting students that are not only book smart but are well-rounded and involved in the community around them.

Sophomores

Many people think that students leaving their sophomore year still have one more summer of freedom, but in reality early next fall there is a special test that is given nationwide that has the most potential in affecting a students future college plans:  the PSAT.  The PSAT, besides being a PRACTICE SAT as some may think is also the exam that determines National Merit Scholars eligibility.  Many corporate and college based scholarships are available for students who qualify as National Merit Scholar finalists. 

 Students should be studying during the summer for the SAT or ACT and be prepared to take one of these tests sometime during the junior year. 

Getting involved in community outreach and service activities with the local church groups is a fun way to help the student’s resume.

Freshmen

All TAA students took the ITED test last fall and should work on areas of deficiencies.  Reading quality literature or acquiring a reading list from the AP English teacher and spending time reading some of the books recommended for the AP English test. 

Summer Employment Opportunities

There are limited summer student employment opportunities on campus for students that live locally.  New and returning students that are seeking summer employment at TAA need to apply in the Finance Office.  

NEW!!!! Online Tuition Payments & Donations

Online tuition payments and donations to Thunderbird Adventist Academy may be made at the TAA website, www.thunderbirdacademy.org. 

If you click on “About Us” at www.thunderbirdacademy.org you will see two buttons that can be selected for either your tuition payment or donation.  Within a few days the links to these donations buttons will be on the margin of each page of the website. 

When making a donation, please make sure and state where you would like the donation to go to and when making a payment on a student tuition account please state the name of the student. 

April Home Leave Break

The final home leave break for this school year is just around the corner.  Home leave begins on Wednesday, April 28 at noon and ends on Sunday.  The dormitories will be closing at 2 PM on Wednesday and will re-open on Sunday at 4 PM.  

The TAA office will be open on Wednesday afternoon until 5 PM and on Thursday, April 29 from 9AM – noon.

Proposed 2010-2011 Calendar

** All home leave breaks begin at 12 Noon on the first day listed.

Cafeteria Schedule – Week of April 19-23

• · Monday, April 19: Swiss steak, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, Mandarin oranges, and salad bar
• · Tuesday, April 20: Mexican buffet, salad bar, dessert
• · Wednesday, April 21: Macaroni and Cheese, hot dogs, peas and carrots, white cake, salad bar
• · Thursday, April 22: Vegeburger, French fries, green beans, salad bar, and brownie
• · Friday, April 23: Vega Chik pot pie, steamed asparagus, potato chips, dinner roll, salad bar, and cherry cobbler

Cafeteria Schedule – Week of April 26-28

• · Monday, April 26: Chili cheese fries, green bean casserole, salad bar
• · Tuesday, April 27: Stir fry tender bits, fried rice, fresh fruit, and salad bar
• · Wednesday, April 28:  HOME LEAVE BEGINS – NO LUNCH

SAT and ACT Test Dates

TAA 2009-2010 Calendar

It is not too early to start thinking about next year.  Applications are now being accepted for the next school year.  New students that apply BEFORE June 1^st will have the student application fee waived.  Returning students will be receiving in the mail next week a RE-APPLICATION form or one may be picked up at the TAA office. 

All students (New and Returning) need to apply and be accepted for the 2010-2011 year prior to pre-registering for classes.

NEW!!!! Online Tuition Payments & Donations

As of this weekend, online tuition payments and donations to Thunderbird Adventist Academy may be made at the TAA website, www.thunderbirdacademy.org.

If you click on “About Us” at http://www.thunderbirdacademy.org/about you will see two buttons that can be selected for either your tuition payment or donation.  Within a few days the links to these donations buttons will be on the margin of each page of the website for ease of making donations and making payments.

When making a donation, please make sure and state where you would like the donation to go to and when making a payment on  a student tuition account please state the  name of the student. 

Spring Break Office Hours

The TAA office will be open during spring break mornings only Monday-Thursday, March 22-25, from 9 AM until noon. 

Parent – Teacher Communication

This spring Parent Teacher Conferences were not scheduled but communication between parent and teacher is still considered to be very important.  If you have a desire to communicate with one of your student’s teachers please call the TAA office to get a message to the teacher or email the teacher or communicate through the TAA website at www.thunderbirdacademy.org.

Student Attendance

Most of our students are very diligent about regular class attendance, but a few students have begun to get into problems or potential problems.  This spring, Mrs. Karen Lewis, retired TAA secretary, is volunteering to help the Attendance office in keeping our students attendance records up to date and accurate.  So if your student is approaching attendance issues, documentation has been sent home. 

Please make sure your student understands the attendance policy.

Proposed 2010-2011 Calendar

** All home leave breaks begin at 12 Noon on the first day listed.

Track and Field Day, March 18, 2010

Every spring TAA students look forward to a day outside and out of classes as they participate in the annual Track and Field Day.  This year the Track and Field Day will again be held at Salt River High School.  The school group will leave campus at 8AM with activities beginning at 8:30 AM.  The school will return to campus by 12 noon.

Youth Fest 2010

 Our campus hosted a Youth Fest event this past weekend for the Adventist Worship Center and Arizona Conference Youth Department. Those in attendance were blessed with an abundance of musical selections by local groups and Ana Laura, a Christian recording artist from Texas.  Chris Morris, a TAA alumnus and former staff member was the featured speaker for the weekend. 

Thank you Chris, Bob and Chelsea Barnes, and Alan Lacy for a great weekend.

Project: Ease the Journey, March 6

The kick off for the Ease The Journey program is this Saturday night, March 6,  at 6 PM in the TAA Chapel.  This program has been advertised all over the conference to help our church members understand the importance of giving through the tax credit program.  This program is important for those students that need financial assistance to attend TAA and other SDA schools in Arizona.

The program begins at 6 PM and will feature both a sacred and secular presentation by Thunderbird Academy Band & Choir, the Glenview Choir, Ring of Praise, and the Tongan Youth Choir.

Come support Christian education in Arizona!  A offering will be taken for the TAA Music department spring tour.  

Cafeteria Schedule – Week of March 8-12

• · Monday, March 8:  Spaghetti, meat sauces, Caesar salad, broccoli, bread sticks, Mandarin oranges, and salad bar
• · Tuesday, March 9: Super nachos, and salad bar
• · Wednesday, March 10: Tacos, Spanish rice, refried beans, salad bar and white cake
• · Thursday, March 11: pepper steak, buttered noodles, steamed vegetables, rolls & butter, salad bar and fruit
• · Friday, March 12:  Calzone, veggies, cherry cobbler, and salad bar

 Cafeteria Schedule – Week of March 15-17

• · Monday, March. 15: Chick noodle casserole, oven roasted potatoes, asparagus, dinner rolls & butter, salad bar, and chocolate pudding
• · Tuesday, March 16: Chili cheese dog, baked beans, seasoned vegetables, salad bar, and cookies
• · Wednesday, March 17:  COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY - Sack lunches picked up at breakfast for dormitory students. Day students need to bring their own sack lunch
• · Thursday, March 18: HOME LEAVE BEGINS AT NOON – NO LUNCH TODAY

 Scholarship & College Information

Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship

The Kohl’s Kids Who Care Scholarship program recognizes and rewards young volunteers (ages 6-18) who help make their communities a better place to live.  To check out the information on qualifications go to www.kohlscorporation.com/CommunityRelations/scholarship

A Preview of TAA Activities

MARCH 4 – 28, 2010

SAT and ACT Test Dates 

TAA  2009-2010 Calendar

This past Friday night vespers was JAM, Jesus and Me, and was full of crowd involvement improv, wonderful praise music from the praise band headed by  seniors Andrew Borland and Gareth Hunter. The program also included  student testimonies about who was Jesus that week to them. 

Band and choir performed the church service at the Peoria Sun City church, while there was Sabbath school in the student center and Revelation Lectures speaker Lyle Albrecht preached for the church service at TAA.

Visitation Weekend Announcements

In nine short days, our students and staff will be welcoming prospective students from across the region to our campus.  The annual Visitation Weekend program will begin on Friday, February 5 at Noon.  There is no charge for our guests.  Our goal is to encourage the high school-aged young people in the area to see what TAA has to offer them academically, spiritually, socially, and physically.  Registration for the program begins at 10 AM.  The weekend will be fun of interactive, social activities; opportunities for academic, sports and music scholarships and try outs along with  a show case of our extracurricular programs. 

If you are a 7th grade to 11th grade student, please call the Recruiting Office to have your registration packet sent to you today at 480-948-3300 ext 204 or by email at shwarren@thunderbirdacademy.org.  Dorm rooms are available for parents and student-guests to stay both Friday and Saturday nights if reserved early.

Student Association Talent Show: February 6 at 7 PM

The SA Art & Talent Show begins on Saturday night, Feb 6 at 7 PM in the TAA Chapel.  Come see our students perform and display their art talents in the Chapel lobby. 

First Semester Honor Roll Lists

Principal Honor Roll  GPA 3.75- 5: Tucker A; Hayde A; Marshall C; Xylia C; Cassandra D; Kaitlin D; Damaris G; Kamrie I; Rebekah K; Stephanie L; Brissa L; Amy M; Allison M; Alicia N; Ashley N; Grant P; Jeen P; Jin Sol P; Geovany Q; Nikolas S; Allyssa S; Zachary S; Kimberly S; Melyssa S; Mingmin W; Anthony Wijatyk; Theodore Z; Thomas Z.

High Honor Roll GPA 3.5 – 3.749:  Signe A; Cody B; Cassandra B; Joshua B; Sara C; Kolby C; Sabrina C; Rebecca G; Gustavo E. G; Frances H; Sydney H; William H; Amanda K; Jae K; Avalon L; Amanda L; Brendon P; Soyoun P; Janna R; Hugo R; Alejandra R; Benjamen S;  Zachary S; Hannah V.

Honor Roll GPA 3.0—3.49:  Raul A; Rafael B; Brittany B; Marino B; Andrew B; Ana B; Keaton C; Dulce C; Elias C; Diego D; Christian G; Aleena G; Antoinette H; Nichole H; Alexis H; Dianna K; Elias L; Aileen M; Juan M; Jacob N; Nephatali O; Catherine Q; Megan Q; Rachel R; Kristine S; Tess S; Betty S; Alyssa W.

Congratulations Students on a job well done!

Mission Trip Fundraiser Event:  “Facing the Giants” Movie Night 

You are invited  on Feb 27 to the “Facing the Giants” Movie Night.  The mission trip group sponsored by the Arizona Conference Youth Department is hosting a “movie night” at TAA.  Free admission to see “Facing the Giants”.  Concessions will be sold and there will be a free-will offering taken.  

$1000 MoolahSPOT Scholarship

A new free scholarship search engine launched this past summer is offering a $1000 MoolahSPOT Scholarship based on a short-essay.  Family income, test scores, and financial need are not a consideration.  The award may be used for any educational-related expenses such as tuition, fees, books, room and board for a student at least 16 years or older who is currently attending or plans to attend college or graduate school. .  The deadline for applying is February 28, 2010 and applications are currently being accepted.  

How to enter:  All applications must be completed online at www.moolahspot.com/award/. 

Project: Ease the Journey

You should have been hearing over the past few weeks more and more information at the local SDA churches about the “Ease the Journey” project.   Each of us can do our part to help those students that need financial help in receiving a private school education at TAA.    Read the announcements below coming from the Education Department at the Arizona Conference:

Project: Ease the Journey

Imagine an opportunity for any Adventist child to receive a Christian education. With over 18,000 Adventist members in the State of Arizona, everyone can play a vital part in ensuring our children receive a quality Adventist education.

You can make it happen. Tax season is officially upon us. Prayerfully consider using your tax refunds to make your contribution to the Arizona Adventist Scholarship.

Ease the Journey Benefit Concert--- March 6 @ 6pm. Thunderbird Academy campus.

Featuring Thunderbird Academy Band & Choir, Glenview Choir, Ring of Praise, Tongan Youth Choir, and more. 

Senior Financial Aid Workshop Feb 26

Juniors, seniors, and their parents are invited to attend a special College Financial Aid Workshop presented by La Sierra University.  Information gained from this presentation will be applicable to students planning on attending either SDA or public colleges and universities. 

The workshop will begin at 6:30 PM in the Student Center at TAA.  For more information call the Student Recruiting Office at 480-948-3300 ext 204. 

Cafeteria Schedule – Week of January 25-29

•  Monday, January 25:  Swiss steaks, scalloped potatoes, broccoli, mandarin oranges, salad bar
•  Tuesday, January 26: Mexican buffet, guacamole, salad bar,  and dessert
•  Wednesday, January 27: Macaroni and Cheese, hot dogs, peas and carrots, salad bar, and white cake,
•  Thursday, January 28: Vegeburger, French fries, green beans, salad bar, and brownie
•  Friday, January 29:  Vege chik pot pie, steamed asparagus,  potato chips, dinner roll, salad bar, and cherry cobbler

 Cafeteria Schedule – Week of February 1-5

• Monday, Feb. 1: Chili cheese fries, green bean casserole, and salad bar
•  Tuesday, Feb 2: Stir-fry tender bits, fried rice, Chinese vegetables, fresh fruit, and salad bar
•  Wednesday, Feb 3: Burrito bar, salad bar, and lemon cookies
•  Thursday, Feb 4: Chick a-la-king, buttered noodles, peas & carrots, salad bar, apple crisp, salsa, sour cream, salad bar, and brownies
•  Friday, Feb 5: Cheese enchilada, Spanish rice, pinto beans, shredded lettuce 

Merry Christmas from Thunderbird Adventist Academy!

I found this story today and it helped me remember the true meaning of Christmas. 

Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow.  Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any.  The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already.  And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought, ''This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend.''

Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled.  It wasn't because his mother didn't care or try, there just never seemed to be enough.She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far.  What the family lacked in money and material things, they more than made up for in love and family unity. Bobby had two older and one younger sister who ran the house hold in their mother's absence.  All three of his sisters had already made beautiful gifts for their mother.  Somehow it just wasn't fair.  Here it was Christmas Eve already, and he had nothing.

Wiping a tear from his eye, Bobby kicked the snow and started to walk down to the street where the shops and stores were.  It wasn't easy being six without a father, especially when he needed a man to talk to. Bobby walked from shop to shop, looking into each decorated window. Everything seemed so beautiful and so out of reach. It was starting to get dark and Bobby reluctantly turned to walk home when suddenly his eyes caught the glimmer of the setting sun's rays reflecting off of something along the curb.He reached down and discovered a shiny dime.  Never before has anyone felt so wealthy as Bobby felt at that moment.

As he held his new-found treasure, a warmth spread throughout his entire body and he walked into the first store he saw. His excitement quickly turned cold when the salesperson told him that he couldn't buy anything with only a dime.  He saw a flower shop and went inside to wait in line. When the shop owner asked if he could help him, Bobby presented the dime and asked if he could buy one flower for his mother's Christmas gift.

The shop owner looked at Bobby and his ten-cent offering.  Then he put his hand on Bobby's shoulder and said to him, ''You just wait here and I'll see what I can do for you.''

As Bobby waited, he looked at the beautiful flowers and even though he was a boy, he could see why mothers and girls liked flowers.  The sound of the door closing as the last customer left, jolted Bobby back to reality.

All alone in the shop, Bobby began to feel alone and afraid. Suddenly the shop owner came out and moved to the counter. There, before Bobby's eyes, lay twelve long stem, red roses with leaves of green and tiny white flowers all tied together with a big silver bow. Bobby's heart sank as the owner picked them up and placed them gently into a long white box. ''That will be ten cents young man.'' the shop owner said reaching out his hand for the dime.

Slowly, Bobby moved his hand to give the man his dime. Could this be true? No one else would give him a thing for his dime! Sensing the boy's reluctance, the shop owner added, ''I just happened to have some roses on sale for ten centsa dozen.  Would you like them?''

This time Bobby did not hesitate, and when the man placed the long box into his hands, he knew it was true. Walking out the door that the owner was holding for Bobby, he heard the shop keeper say, ''Merry Christmas, son.'' As he returned inside, the shop keeper's wife walked out. ''Who were you talking to back there, and where are the roses you were fixing?''

Staring out the window and blinking the tears from his own eyes, he replied, ''A strange thing happened to me this morning. While I was setting up things to open the shop, I thought I heard a voice telling me to set aside a dozen of my best roses for a special gift. I wasn't sure at the time whether I had lost my mind or what, but I set them aside anyway.

Then just a few minutes ago, a little boy came into the shop and wanted to buy a flower for his mother with one small dime. When I looked at him, I saw myself, many years ago.  I too, was a poor boy with nothing to buy my mother a Christmas gift. A bearded man, whom I never knew, stopped me on the street and told me that he wanted to give me ten dollars. When I saw that little boy tonight, I knew who that voice was, and I put together a dozen of my very best roses. The shop owner and his wife hugged each other tightly and as they stepped out into the bitter cold air, they somehow didn't feel cold at all.

May this story instill the spirit of CHRISTmas in you enough to pass this act along. 

Have a Joyous and Christ-filled season. 

~ Author Unknown ~

Take a few extra moments this holiday season and find ways  to let the spirit of Christ be reflected in what we do. 

-- Barry Warren, Principal 

Cactus Clarion Goes Online

Check out the student produced online newspaper at www.my.hsj.org/scottsdale/az/cactusclarion

Christmas Break: December 18 - January 3

School is out on Friday, December 18 at noon.  Dorms close at 2 PM.  

Dorms will reopen on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 4 PM with classes resuming on Monday, January 4th.  We wish each of our students, their families, our alumni and friends of TAA a blesses holiday season.

College Planning

College Fair for Seventh-Day Adventist Colleges/Universities will be held at TAA on Friday, January 15 from 9AM until 11:30 AM.    Prospective college students and their parents are  invited to meet the college/university recruiters during the College Fair

A new scholarship notice from www.moolahspot.com.  The deadline for the scholarship is February 28, 2010.  Any student at least 16 years of age or older who plans to attend, or is currently attending college or graduate school may apply for this scholarship.  Students may study any major or plan to enter any career field at any accredited college or graduate school.  A short essay is required.  Applications must be completed online at: www.moolahsppot.com/award/.

The Princeton Review is offering on the TAA campus two types of SAT and ACT courses.  The NEW Classroom Course is meant to give students fast, effective, and affordable preparation.  The classroom course includes:

• 18 hours of expert instruction by a TRP instructor
• 4 proctored practice tests
• satisfaction, readiness, and money back guarantee (from Princeton Review) when students meet certain criteria.

This course is great for students who are more self-directed and require less face to face time with the instructor, have less time to prep or are more budget conscious  The cost of the course is $599.

The Ultimate Course is meant to give students the ultimate classroom experience in preparing for the ACT or SAT exams.  The Ultimate Course includes:

• 30 hours of expert instruction by a TRP instructor
• additional in-class workshops for instructor-led review
• more in-depth coverage of topics
• 4 proctored practice tests
• average 255 point score improvement
• satisfaction, readiness, and money back guarantee (students must meet certain criteria)

This course is great for students who want or need more face-to-face practice time with an instructor.  The cost of the course if $999.

Contact The Princeton Review at 480-967-1480 or EWaite@review.com for more information or to register for upcoming courses.

Arizona Adventist Scholarship

Many of our students still need more financial help in making an SDA education a reality.  Please be diligent in giving to TAA through the Arizona Tax Credit program.  One hundred percent of the Arizona tax credit donation that is received by the Arizona Scholarship program at the Arizona Conference goes to the student of your choice. 

Your contribution through the Arizona Adventist Scholarship program will help one of our students continue receiving a Christian education at TAA.  The deadline for 2009 tax credit donations is December 31, 2009. 

Help TAA Earn Funds

Log on to www.bashas.com/charity to register your Bashas’ Thank You card with our group ID# 24861 to help TAA earn funds this year.  This will automatically earn credit for the organization every time you use your Thank You Card.   If you linked your card last year, you will need to re-link it this year too.

Goodsearch.com:  Another easy way to raise money for TAA is by using the search engine, goodsearch.com every time you make an Internet inquiry or search the web.  All you have to do is key in www.goodsearch.com and key in “Thunderbird Adventist Academy” on the verify line.  TAA will make about $.01 for every search.  Think of the money that TAA would make if every one of our students, parents, and supporters changed their search engine habits to include www.goodsearch.com instead of the ones they currently use.

Christmas Shopping Through Goodshop.com:

With Christmas quickly approaching why not try a hassle free way to shop online at goodshop.com. Check out Goodshop.com!  Goodshop.com is a partner with goodsearch.com and every purchase you make through this site benefits TAA.   

Make sure that  “Thunderbird Adventist Academy” is your school of choice.  TAA will receive a donation based on every purchase.  The most popular merchants you can use through goodshop.com are:  Amazon.com, Apple store, Avon, Banana Republic, Barnes and Nobles, Best Buy, Bloomingdales, Crate and Barrel, Dell, Gap,  and lots more. 

Basketball Schedule 09-10

TAA Calendar

· Every SDA young person who wants to attend TAA – could.

· The cost of sending our kids to TAA was affordable for every student.

· The local churches could keep more of their offerings in their local church.

All of this could happen, IF each of us would do our part.

Will our schools survive the current economic situation?  Where will the students go that are currently attend TAA?  

The survival of SDA education is resting in the hands  (and pocketbooks) of the Arizona SDA church members.  TAA has a group of students that are struggling to stay in school because parents have lost jobs or the cost of receiving an SDA education is more than many have planned for. 

Follow with me as I share some facts with you:

• There are 17,000 baptized members in the Arizona Conference, made up of approximately 11,000 family units.  (Not all family units have to pay state taxes).  So let’s round this number down to 7,000 SDA family units.
• The average yearly state tax bill for a family unit is $700. 
• If every one of the Arizona SDA family units directed their $700 to the Arizona tax credit program instead of to their state tax bill, TAA would bring in $4,900,000 each year. 
• The 2009-2010 TAA expenses are budgeted at $2,600,00 – this means that we have the potential of making an SDA education reachable for every young person that wants to attend. 
• The number of SDA family units currently participating in the Arizona tax credit program is around 600. 

Let’s do the math…. Every tax-paying Arizona resident will be paying their taxes this year.  You have a choice: Will it go to the state? Or will it help a student get a great Christian Education?  If we are all faithful with our Arizona Tax Donation, every student who wants a Christian Education can get it. Really!

-- Barry Warren, Principal

Why I Work at TAA

 I teach at TAA because I can challenge students to be independent thinkers and to reach their highest potential.   Oliver Morada, History

It’s not to make a difference, almost anyone can do that.  Its’ certainly not for financial gain.  It’s not because I enjoy putting in 70-90 hours a week.  It’s not for job security; a contract is good for a year only.  It’s not  because it’s easy; try raising 40 teenaged boys at once.

No, It is only because of the grace of God (His unmerited favor and His divine influence upon my heart) through faith (full and continual reliance upon His power working in my life) that I am able to serve Him at TAA.  There can be no other reason.  – Don Droze, Boys’ Dean.

The reason I work at TAA is that one day what I say or do will help allow a student to experience eternal life. – Kim Pearson, Cafeteria

Holiday Breaks

Thanksgiving break begins this year on Tuesday, November 24 at noon.  Dorms will be closing on Tuesday afternoon at 2 PM.  The dorms re-open on Sunday, November 29 at 4 PM.  Students using public transportation (airlines/ bus) need to remember to schedule their departure and arrival times to coincide with the school provided trip to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the Phoenix Bus station. 

Christmas break begins on Friday, December 18 at Noon with dorms reopening on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 4 PM.  School resumes on Monday, January 4. 

Community Service Day – November 18

This coming Wednesday, November 18, the sophomores and seniors will be leaving campus at 8:30 AM to share their day with some of our local elementary schools. The schools that will be visited are:  Adobe Mesa, Maricopa, Glenview, Red Rocks, Thunderbird Christian, and Arizona International Academy The students will be painting,  weeding,   trimming trees and shrubbery and playing with the students that attend these schools.   One of the groups will be staying on campus at TAA and will be helping out with special projects that don’t usually get done. 

Community students participating with Community Service Day need to bring their own sack lunches.  Dormitory students will be provided sack lunches from the cafeteria. 

Christmas Rendezvous

The Student Association annual Christmas Banquet “Christmas Rendezvous” will be held on Sunday, December 6 at 4:30 PM.  Escorting begins at 4 PM at the Boys’ Dormitory. 

Tickets will be available from the SA until Friday, November 13.  Prices are $10 for students/$15 for off-campus dates.   All off-campus dates need to be approved by the TAA Administrative Council. 

Dress code for banquet is semi-formal.  Girls are asked to wear modest dresses that are knee-length or longer with no cleavage showing.

Winter Youth Summit & Youth 3-on-3 Basketball Tournaments

On December 11- 12, Pastor Scott Hakes will be presenting a special program for the high school and collegiate aged young people of the Arizona Conference at TAA.  The theme of the  weekend is “Life Unlimited”.  Meetings are Friday night at 7:30 PM, Church at 9:30 AM, an afternoon outreach.  The youth rally will conclude with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament on Saturday night.  Sabbath lunch is provided.

For more information about the Youth Summit, call 480-991-6777 ext 125.  For more information and to register for the 3 on 3 basketball tournament call 480-948-3300 ext 204. 

Needed: Electric Bass Guitar

The TAA praise band is in need of an electric bass guitar to either be borrowed for the remainder of this year or donated.  If you have an extra bass guitar around and would like to donate it to TAA for our students to use during the worship programs, please call the Development Office at 480-948-3300 ext 204. 

A Preview of TAA Activities

November 18-24, 2009

Wednesday, November 18

Community Service Day – Sophomores and Seniors

Friday, November 20

A Day

7:30 PM  Uncommon Vespers

Saturday, November 21

Sabbath School & Church begins at 9:45 AM

6:30 AM  Choir travels to Sierra Vista Church

Small Group to Show Low Church

Sunday, November 22

Seniors leave for Senior Retreat

Tuesday, November 24

School Is Out at Noon – Thanksgiving Break Begins

 ACRO FEST 2009: Facing the Giant

The acro team TAA Wings left campus Tuesday night and arrived in Keene, Texas on Wednesday  about 6 PM. After traveling for nearly 18 hours in a mini-bus loaded with fellow team members and luggage, each person was so grateful to step out and stretch.  The first full day in Texas the team worked at five stations with college teams teaching and helping the elementary and high school  groups to perfect moves.  On Friday the team spent a little more time on practicing their routines, then they went out to local public elementary schools and presented their programs.  It was a busy clinic time but the leaders placed a special emphasis on the spiritual learning too with special worships scheduled as part of each day’s program. 

The members of the team are:  Josh B., Hugo R., Grant P., Brenden P., Gareth H., Katy L., Brandon L., Marino B., Bassty M., Hannah V., Andrew C., Warren D., Sara C., Alyssa W., Elias L., Geo Q., Andrew B., Taylor A., Jeen P., Alejandra R., Cody B., Cassie D., Adam N., Krissi S., Hayde A., and Marshall C.  Jake Thimsen, coach, Brent Burishkin, assistant coach, Barry and Sherrie Warren, sponsors.

A big thank you to Lydia Chong Fitting (TAA alumnus)  for the time and energy that she has invested with helping the team this year. 

Help TAA Earn Funds 

Log on to www.bashas.com/charity to register your Bashas’ Thank You card with our group ID# 24861 to help TAA earn funds this year. 

This will automatically earn credit for the organization every time you use your Thank You Card.   If you linked your card last year, you will need to re-link it this year too.

Goodsearch.com:  Another easy way to raise money for TAA is by using the search engine, goodsearch.com every time you make an Internet inquiry or search the web.  All you have to do is key in www.goodsearch.com and key in “Thunderbird Adventist Academy” on the verify line.  TAA will make about $.01 for every search.  Think of the money that TAA would make if every one of our students, parents, and supporters changed their search engine habits to include www.goodsearch.com instead of the ones they currently use.

 Goodshop.com:

You like to shop online?  Try it at www.goodshop.com, which is a partner with goodsearch.com.  Every purchase you make through this site will help TAA raise funds.

TAA Baseball Caps For Sale

The same baseball cap that our baseball team wears is for sale right now.  The price per hat is $20.00.  The proceeds go to the Athletic Department.   To purchase your hat, email Brent Burishkin at bburishkin@thunderbirdacademy.org.

SAT and ACT Test Dates

 Juniors need to plan to take the SAT or ACT this year!

TAA Calendar

 Religious Activity Proposed Calendar for 2009-2010

November

13                                                      Vespers: Class 

18                                                      Community Service Day

20                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

21                                                      Choir to Sierra Vista SDA Church

December

4                                                      Vespers:  Religious activities council

11                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

12                                                      P.J.’s youth church—Dumpster church

January

6-9                                                      Spiritual emphasis—Leclair Litchfield

Vespers:  Uncommon vespers

 9                                                             P.J.’s youth church @ Squaw Peak

15                              Vespers:  J.A.M.

22                                                      Vespers:  Religious activities council

29                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

February

5                                                      Vespers:  Uncommon vespers

18                                                Vespers:  Religious activities council

24-27                                        Spiritual Emphasis week--Youthfest

24                                                      Community Service day

March

5                                                      Vespers:  Uncommon vespers

5-6                                              Dare to Share conference in Phoenix

12                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M

13                                                      P.J.’s church choice (depends on vehicle availability)

April

2                                                      Community service for alumni weekend

9                                                      Vespers:  Religious Activities Council

10                                                      “Sonshine”  P.J.’s Easter church

16                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

23                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

May

3-7                                              Student week of prayer/P.J.’s Youth Church

14                                                      Vespers:  J.A.M.

21                                                      S.A. Flower Vespers

TAA ATHLETICS

Practices for women’s and men’s varsity basketball  teams have started over the past few  weeks.  Quite a few young men  and women tried out. 

Women’s Basketball Roster: Laura E., Becky K, Kaitlin D, Aubrie G., Antoinette H., Melyssa S., Amy Mc., Tenesha J., Kami I., Alejandra R. Coaches: Barry Warren, Kara Turpen, Kim Pearson.

Women’s basketball practices will be Monday through Thursday from 4:50 – 6 PM. Men’s basketball practices will be Monday through Thursday 6:15 – 7:30 PM.

We’ll have the men’s team rosters out next week. 

Basketball fees of $130 are due on Monday, November 30 (right after Thanksgiving break).  Dues should be paid directly to the business office.  Please see Mr. Burishkin if you have any concerns or questions. 

 TAX CREDITS: AN EASY WAY TO HELP A STUDENT ATTEND TAA

Have you designated your 2009 tax credit money yet?  

Many of our students still need more financial help in making an SDA education a reality.  Please be diligent in giving to TAA through the Arizona Tax Credit program.  One hundred percent of the Arizona tax credit donation that is received by the Arizona Scholarship program at the Arizona Conference goes to the student of your choice. 

A single person may give to a student a maximum of $500 per calendar year.  A married couple may give up to $1000 to a designated student at TAA and receive a credit towards their Arizona taxes this year. 

If you want more information please contact the TAA Financial Office at 480-948-3300 EXT 205.